America’s most populous state has enough to see and do for a lifetime. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have a lifetime’s worth of money to spend at any given moment. Never fear—California’s beauty can be enjoyed without breaking the bank on lodging, food, and libations. Here are 11 towns, from the state’s south to the north, and how to visit them while sparing your wallet.

Solana Beach

Drive from Los Angeles: 1½ - 2 hoursDrive from San Diego: 30 minutes

Solana Beach's five beaches, including the big Fletcher Cove, attract swimmers, anglers, sunbathers, and runners, while the Cedros Avenue Design District offers shops, eateries, and art among historic 1950s former warehouses.

You should stay at: Winners Circle Resort. Though rooms start at $179, that’s comparable to nearby chain hotel rates, and all rooms come with kitchenettes. There’s also a heated pool and spa, as well as a clubhouse with a pool table and ping pong. Book your stay at Winners Circle Resort.

You should eat: The grilled brioche French toast at Lockwood Table Cafe. For $7.75, you get vanilla cinnamon egg batter, berries, cinnamon honey butter, and maple syrup.

You should visit: The Design District. Tour the specialty art galleries without having to drop the change to actually buy anything, and check out other, more affordable eclectic crafts. There’s also the Belly Up Tavern, where many famous rock, hip-hop, and folk acts have performed.

Palm Springs

Drive from Los Angeles: 2-3 hoursDrive from San Diego: 2-3 hours

“Palm Springs, land of golf courses? You must be joking.” Nope, there’s plenty to do here for the non-wealthy if they know where to look.

You should stay at: The Royal Sun Inn. Rooms go for as little as $49 a night, but don’t let the price fool you–the Royal Sun is a AAA Diamond-rated establishment with free breakfast and free Wi-Fi. It’s also convenient to downtown, and just across the street from the historic Moorten Botanical Garden. Book your stay at the Royal Sun Inn.

You should eat: A pastrami sandwich at Sherman’s Deli. The family-owned eatery is a longtime local favorite and a great way to get a filling meal downtown without overspending.

You should play: Golf at night. That’s right, The Lights at Indio Golf Course is open after dark with greens fees of $27 or below, and you can even tee off after 8 p.m.

Joshua Tree

Drive from Los Angeles: 2 - 3 hoursDrive from San Diego: 2 - 3 hours

Named after the iconic desert plant, Joshua Tree sits in the high desert above the Coachella Valley. The town is dwarfed by the vast, starkly beautiful landscape of Joshua Tree National Park.

You should stay at: The Joshua Tree Inn. Big on desert charm and small on price, this Spanish hacienda-style hotel features a “zen courtyard” and koi pond. Rooms start at $89 and include a private outdoor patio.

You should eat: A hefty slice of pizza at Pie for the People. This outpost offers a unique array of experimental pies and toppings—ever had strawberries on a pizza? More importantly, those extra-large slices are cheap and filling: $4 each for “regular” toppings, $5 for the fancier ones.

You should visit: The Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum. After experiencing nature with a hike into the national park, return to civilization with amazing sculptures fashioned out of recycled materials. Admission is free.

Santa Barbara

This city calls itself the American Riviera, and with everything from 18th-century-style Spanish architecture to fig trees and a pier, it’s hard to argue with them.

You should stay at: The Avania Inn. Rooms begin at $109 and are walking distance from the beach and Stearns Wharf. Each room features antique furnishings, which the hotel says offer a “home away from home” feeling. Book your stay at the Avania Inn.

You should eat: Killer Nachos at the Endless Summer Bar Cafe. They’re $8 during happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and you can also check out vintage surfboards and a view of the water.

You should visit: Old Mission Santa Barbara. Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” it was founded by the Spanish in 1786 and is one of the best-preserved California missions. Admission is just $9, with discounts for children, students, military, and seniors.

Lompoc

Pronounced “LAWM-poke,” this town has earned the name “City of Arts and Flowers” by growing a significant portion of America’s cut flowers and flower seeds. The fields bloom May through August, which makes that the best time to visit.

You should stay at: O’Cairns Inn and Suites. Visitors can book a room for as little as $126, which gets them free Wi-Fi and cable TV in an air-conditioned room. In the mood for a movie? The hotel has a DVD library that guests can borrow from. Book your stay at O’Cairns Inn and Suites.

You should drink: A complimentary drink at the O’Cairns Inn’s Happy Hour Pub. The hotel offers complimentary drinks to its guests from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Make sure to designate a non-drinking driver if you plan on traveling afterward.

You should visit: Lompoc’s flower fields, which you can look for along Ocean and Floradale avenues. You may have to look for a bit: Depending on what the market is paying more for, many fields could be growing vegetables instead of flowers. But any flowers you do find should be a sight to see (and looking at them is free!).

San Luis Obispo

Is this the northern end of Southern California or the southern end of Northern California? Either way, its beautiful coastline is a marriage of sea and mountains that draws those looking to enjoy nature—and nearby vineyards.

You should stay at: The Apple Farm. Queen beds start at $99, including a fireplace and HD television. For an additional $30 a night, you get a private patio and hot tub. Book your stay at the Apple Farm.

You should eat: The $8 truffle fries at the Apple Farm Restaurant, which is super convenient if you’re staying there but still worth it if you’re not.

You should visit: Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. It’s the 18th-century “Prince of Missions” to Santa Barbara’s “queen,” and admission is free, so checking out the gardens and Chumash artifacts is a thrifty way to spend a few hours.

Cambria

Cambria is well-known as the gateway to points north, such as Hearst Castle and Big Sur, but there's plenty to do in town, too. Members can visit the famous Nitt Witt Ridge folk art house that overlooks the town, then go antiquing on charming Main Street.

You should stay at: The Bluebird Inn. Rooms go as low as $68, there's free Wi-Fi, it's located next to Santa Rosa Creek, and there's easy access to Main Street. Willing to spend more? There are also fireplace suites. Book your stay at the Bluebird Inn.

You should eat: Blueberry pancakes at the Redwood Cafe, which features a shady outdoor patio for people-watching.

You should visit: The Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery. Elephant seals fight, mate, and sun themselves year-round at this marine sanctuary about 10 minutes north of town. Visitors can park on-site and see seals immediately. The best part? It's free.

Salinas

Salinas is best known as the birthplace of great American novelist John Steinbeck, many of whose books are set in and around the agricultural town. Otherwise, it’s mostly known for being surrounded by massive fields of vegetables.

You should stay at: The Laurel Inn. Rates go as low as $89 a night, which gets you the usual combination of air-conditioned room, queen bed, refrigerator, and access to a heated pool and spa. There’s also a diner on-site that offers generous portions of comfort food. Book your stay at the Laurel Inn.

You should eat: The $8.50 blackened snapper sandwich at the Golden Fish (it comes with potato salad or french fries). This AAA Two Diamond eatery is conveniently located within walking distance of the National Steinbeck Center.

You should visit: Toro County Park. Sure, no visit is complete without going to the Steinbeck Center, but that costs money. Taking in a grand view of the Salinas Valley from the hills of the park is free, plus there’s a playground for kids.

Santa Cruz

Famous for its boardwalk, its surfing, and the Mystery Spot, perhaps nothing sums up this countercultural hub as well as its unofficial motto: “Keep Santa Cruz weird.”

You should stay at: The Sunset Inn. Rooms begin at $119, and depending on availability, you might be able to snag a king-size bed for the same price as a queen. Breakfast is included, as well as access to a sauna and hot tub. Book your stay at the Sunset Inn.

You should eat: “Gnarly” garlic fries at Woodies Cafe on the Santa Cruz Wharf. That’s as much flavor as $4.95 is going to buy you anywhere. If you’re hungry for more, check out the popcorn shrimp and fries for $8.95.

You should visit: The obvious answer is the boardwalk, and sometimes the obvious answer is the correct answer. The beach is free, the view is free—you only have to pay for rides and food.

Half Moon Bay

Just 40 minutes from bustling San Francisco, this foggy coastal town is a perfect retreat from stress, especially if you enjoy the great outdoors.

You should stay at: The Coastside Inn. In keeping with the setting, this hotel bills itself as “green-certified” and welcomes pets (for an extra nightly fee). Free bottled water and a refrigerator are included with the rooms, which start at $117.

You should eat: American fare at Dad's Luncheonette, which boasts “American roadside classics with a California focus.” That includes homemade potato chips for just $2.50 and mac and cheese for $5. Did we mention the kitchen is inside a 112-year-old rail caboose?

You should visit: Mavericks surf break. This world-famous surfing spot at the north end of town is known for its enormous (and dangerous) waves, which can be enjoyed from a safe distance. Their size depends on the weather, but in favorable conditions, they can reach 60 feet high and rattle the earth when they break.

Eureka

For the ambitious road-tripper, the town of Eureka awaits on California's North Coast. It's about as far from San Francisco as Big Sur is from Los Angeles, so this is no mere daytrip, but a visit offers a trip back in time to California's 19th-century colonial past.

You should stay at: Abigail's Elegant Victorian Mansion. One of Eureka's biggest draws is its historic Victorian homes, so why not spend the night at one? Rooms start at $135.

You should eat: Fried oysters at Cafe Marina. Digging into fresh local seafood while looking out on Eureka's marina is a great way to get into the spirit of Humboldt Bay.

You should visit: Old Town Eureka. The district's many historic buildings have preserved the town's feel from the 19th century, when it was the playground of lumber barons. Members can also peruse the wares of the many specialty shops and art galleries while appreciating the architecture.

Ready to hit the road?

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